Jun102014

“The VA audit released on Monday was appalling. I have received many calls and comments asking what I am going to do to address the deadly VA wait times,” said Congressman Rice. “I was proud to support the Veteran Access to Care Act, which allows veterans to avoid the deadly VA backlogs and get private health care. This common-sense legislation allows veterans to receive non-VA care if they live over 40 miles from a VA facility, have experienced extensive wait times, or have been notified that an appointment will not be available within the VA's wait-time goals. Many of the veterans in my district, like terminally-ill veteran Barry Coates, will greatly benefit from this change and will finally have access to the quality of care they deserve.”